notifications_active Weekly Meshkat-e Noor Session: Thursdays at 20:30 at Haj Reza Mosque
Dear teacher, a question occurred to me. Is it correct to say that, for God, the unseen is simply the seen? The unseen and the seen are two opposing points, and the law of excluded middle in logic leaves no room for a third possibility. So how can other states be proposed? Thank you for answering our questions.
The unseen and the seen are the same for God, for all knowledge comes from Him and ignorance has no place in Him. Thus, both are alike in His supreme presence. These concepts apply to the inhabitants of the world, not to its Creator, whose relation to creation is different.
The coexistence of two contradictions is assessed in relation to the same person, time, place, state, and so on. For example, if at this very moment and in this very place, from the standpoint of the sun and its relation to me, this space were both day and night, that would be a contradiction.
But if we say that this place is bright for a sighted person and dark for a blind person, no contradiction arises.
The terms “unseen” and “witnessed” apply in relation to the inhabitants of the world, not to the Creator of the world. Knowledge is from God; no ignorance can approach His blessed presence. Thus, in relation to the Divine Essence, there is neither unseen nor witnessed; both are alike before His Majesty. But the situation is different in relation to the created world.